WHO Chief Scientist: "Decision on Heterologous Vaccination Should Not Be Made Individually"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The World Health Organization (WHO) chief scientist stated that the decision to receive mixed COVID-19 vaccines should not be left to individuals.

According to foreign media on the 13th (local time), Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO's chief scientist, urged pharmaceutical companies not to recommend mixing different vaccines during a briefing the previous day.

Dr. Swaminathan said, "If people start deciding when and who should receive the 2nd to 4th doses, it will create a confusing situation."

Initially, she described mixed vaccination as an "area lacking sufficient research data," but after controversy arose, she toned down her remarks on Twitter that same evening.

Dr. Swaminathan stated, "Mixed vaccination is not a matter for individuals to decide; it is an issue for public health authorities to determine based on data," adding, "Several studies are underway to evaluate immune response and safety."

Her remarks somewhat contrast with recommendations issued just a month ago by the WHO advisory panel. Last month, the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization stated that if the supply of AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine is insufficient after the first dose, the second dose can be administered with Pfizer.

Meanwhile, clinical trials on mixed vaccinations involving AZ, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines are currently underway at the University of Oxford in the UK.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.